Category Archives: History

Native Americans are a proud, fascinating and diverse group of people.

Though there are hundreds of stories told of their proficiency in battle, unforgivable treatment at the hands of white settlers and fables of their nature-based spiritualism, there aren’t nearly enough shared that comment on their contributions to Americans’ modern experience.

Mr. Mandela is one of the most politically gifted individuals of all time and one of the most admired men in history.

Together with other brave South Africans, he helped engineer the first peaceful, non-violent revolution in the history of the world.

In Africa there is a concept known as ubuntu – the profound sense that we are human only through the humanity of others; that if we are to accomplish anything in this world it will in equal measure be due to the work and achievements of others.-— Nelson Mandela, 2008

As an anti-apartheid activist, he was tried for treason and imprisoned for 27 years. Mr. Mandela was the first South African President to be elected in a fully representative democratic election. He served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.

Early one morning in the late 1940s, an elderly Ethiopian Jew stood with his young grandson at the top of a small mountain, waiting for sunrise. As the sun broke over the horizon, the old man, pointing toward the sun, said, “Remember, this is the way to Jerusalem.”
— Shmarya Scott Rosenberg

King Solomon receives the Queen of Sheba. This beautiful example of medieval stained glass dates from 1180AD and is the Second Typological Window in the north quire aisle of Canterbury Cathedral – Image: Sacred Destinations

The modern history of the Jews in Ethiopia begins with the reunification of Ethiopia in the mid-19th century during the reign of Theodore II. At that time the Jewish community, known as Beta Israel, numbered between 200,000 to 350,000 people.

This little known story, with roots that reach back to the time of Abraham, starts with the union of the great King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. In Part 2 a promise is fulfilled. They are welcomed by the Jewish state, like prodigal sons returning to the land of Israel.

The name Beta Israel originated in the 4th century AD when the community refused to convert to Christianity during the rule of Abraha and Atsbeha

Like most South Africans of my generation, as a schoolboy I learnt that the recorded history of Southern Africa started in the mid 17th century with the arrival of the European explorers.

Did ancient Dravidian Seafarers establish the first gold mines in Southern Africa?

We studied detailed accounts of these early settlers and their exploits as well as the references to the Portuguese explorers, such as Bartolameu Dias, who preceded them by about 100 years.

According to this history the Khoisan or San people inhabited the Southern African region and preceded the Bantu people who gradually displaced them as they migrated south into the coastal regions of what is now known as the Cape. In a previous post, which you can find here, we covered the many languages spoken by the Khoisan.

Marilyn Monroe American Icon -- Artist: ~cometomorrow Holly on Deviant ArtBorn Norma Jean Baker (1926 – 1962), Marilyn Monroe began her career as a model and landed her first film contract in 1946. She made her first appearance on the cover of Life magazine in April 1952, where she was described as “The Talk of Hollywood”. Marilyn was catapulted to fame after her picture appeared on the cover of the first Playboy magazine in 1953.

Without any acting experience, Marilyn became a Hollywood media star and a legend in a career that spanned 16 years and 29 movies.

This great American icon of American success and the American dream, the 1950s Cadillac, is beautifully drawn here by renowned artist John Harding. See a portfolio of John Harding’s work here. Click to enlarge the image at right.

When this famous automobile first appeared on the streets the classic lines of the 1950s Cadillac defined an era. The style embodied the optimism of post-war America and heralded a glorious industrial renaissance led by Detroit, the home of the American automobile industry. On 25 November 1949, Cadillac produced its one millionth car, a 1950 Coupe de Ville.

Gene Sharp is relatively unknown to the American public. Around the world he is held in high esteem by activists and is regarded with fear and animosity by many authoritarian leaders.

This humble, shy 83-year-old intellectual, through his practical writings on non-violent revolution, has had a broad influence on international events for two decades. Though he is quick to dismiss his role, his ideas are credited with helping to advance a global democratic awakening.

In 2005, two Moscow bookstores selling Russian translations of a book written by Mr. Sharp were mysteriously burnt down. In June 2007, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez accused Mr. Sharp of stirring unrest in Venezuela. In 2010 in Vietnam opposition activists were arrested for distributing a book written by Mr. Sharp.

The revolution was started in Tunisia by Mohamed Bouazizi (26), a humble vegetable vendor. He set himself alight in December as a sign of protest. Mohamed had endured police bullying that resulted in the “last straw” confiscation of his vegetable cart. He died of his wounds in early January and instantly became a martyr to students and the unemployed. A wave of protests against poor living conditions began. Three weeks ago the country’s dictatorship fell sending a spark to ignite the unrest that is now burning out of control in this region of autocratic rulers.

Posts navigation

About THIS ‘N THAT

The various personal interests, reflections, contemplations, observations, comments and musings of John L Bradfield and the esteemed guest authors featured below . .

Guest Authors

Chantel Harris, who writes under a pseudonym, is a South African freelance writer with a special interest in lifestyle advice. When she’s not writing, she’s reading, hiking or exploring neighbourhood markets.

Chrisitine Maddox, is pursuing a master's degree from the University of Texas and she writes about parenting, kids and nanny care on www.4nannies.com. Reach her at christine.4nannies@gmail.com

Danielle M is a student of supply chain management in Bloomington, Indiana. She has a consuming interest in Native American culture. Contact her on Twitter to discuss logistics, history or cat videos

David Elliott is a freelance writer from North London who’s spent most of his life in restless excitement. Whenever he can, he immerses himself in foreign cultures and the history of great cities.

Jack Meyers is an experienced detective based in Houston, Texas and is a regular contributor for various law enforcement blogs and websites including nannybackgroundcheck.com

Kelly Smith works at CourseFinder.com.au, an Australian provider of online course resources. She also delivers career advice to students and job seekers and works as a freelance writer.

Lindsey Harper Mac lives in Indianapolis and writes about technology and social media. Lindsey is now completing her graduate degree and she can be found on Twitter @Harpermac11.

Michelle LaRowe is an award-winning nanny, agency director and parenting author and a leading American expert in the childcare industry. Find out more by visiting @eNannySource on Twitter.

Sally is an avid blogger covering topics from health to travel. She teaches at a school in the Chicago area and is currently awaiting her first child. She can be found on Twitter @eatbreatheblog

Your name here? Would you like to be the next Guest Author featured on this website? Please let us have your submission right away. You can find a few basic Guest Posting guidelines here.